VMBO Year 2 · HAVO/VWO Years 2–3 · Reproduction and sexuality · Section 4.6

Safer sex

Wishes and boundaries

In a relationship, people should be able to explain what they want and what they do not want. Preferences may differ. Open communication means asking, listening and respecting each other's pace.

No one should do something they or the other person do not want. Silence or a lack of resistance is not consent. A healthy relationship involves equality, respect, trust and consent that is freely given and can be withdrawn at any time.

Sexual boundary violations

Unwanted sexual comments, touching, coercion or assault violate someone's boundaries. Sexual violence includes rape and abuse within families.

Abuse can also happen online. Grooming involves building trust with a young person to exploit or abuse them sexually; an offender may pretend to be a peer.

Victim blaming

Victim blaming means unfairly holding the person harmed responsible for the abuse. Responsibility lies with the person committing it. Victims deserve support and to be taken seriously.

In the Netherlands, a GP and services such as Centrum Seksueel Geweld and HelpWanted can provide help or direct someone towards suitable support.

Sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can pass through sexual contact. Examples include:

• Chlamydia: A bacterial infection that often has no symptoms and can cause reproductive complications if untreated.
• HPV: A group of viruses, some causing genital warts and others increasing the risk of certain cancers. Vaccination protects against important types.

Testing may use urine, blood or swabs, depending on the infection. Access to testing and eligibility for free GGD services depend on current criteria and local arrangements.

Condoms and suitable barriers reduce STI risk, but do not eliminate every risk. Many STIs have no visible symptoms.

Contraception

Family planning involves deciding whether and when to have children. Contraception reduces the chance of pregnancy:

• External condom: A sheath worn on the penis that collects semen and reduces both pregnancy and STI risk.
• Internal condom: A barrier placed inside the vagina that also reduces pregnancy and STI risk.
• Contraceptive pill: Contains hormones. Combined pills mainly prevent ovulation; different pill types also affect cervical mucus. They do not protect against STIs and may have side effects.
• Other hormonal methods: Include implants and hormonal intrauterine systems. Their mechanisms and suitability differ.

Less reliable approaches

Estimating fertile days and avoiding intercourse only on those days can be difficult, particularly with irregular cycles. Fertility-awareness methods require careful knowledge and consistent use.

Withdrawal means removing the penis before ejaculation. Timing can fail, and sperm may sometimes be present before ejaculation. It does not reliably protect against pregnancy or STIs.

Emergency contraception and abortion

After contraceptive failure or unprotected sex, emergency contraception may reduce pregnancy risk. The sooner advice is sought, the better.

Depending on the type, emergency pills can be used within 72 hours or 120 hours after sex. They mainly delay or prevent ovulation; they do not end an established pregnancy. A copper IUD is another, highly effective emergency option within the appropriate time window.

Abortion means ending a pregnancy. A healthcare professional can explain options and local arrangements if a pregnancy is unwanted.